Historical clue formulations

• Athlete getting part-time pay — 2019-06-03
• Step above amateur — 2015-06-21
• Not quite minor-league — 2013-03-23
• Not quite good enough for the majors, say — 2008-09-07
• Not a complete amateur — 2005-12-10
• Like some athletes — 2002-10-23
• Not totally amateur — 2002-03-15
• Playing for meal money — 2001-04-20
• Part-time player — 1996-11-23
• Minor-league, maybe — 1996-02-04
• Not quite major-league — 1994-12-02